 Keeping warm whilst sailing will keep you comfortable. Wind is stronger at sea than on land (even in an estuary) so you will feel the chill much more.
Of course the time of year, weather conditions and type of sailing will affect your clothing choices as well. Will it be inshore, coastal or off-shore sailing? How active do you need to be in the garment and also your personal preference, what you find comfortable. All important too - footwear and gloves are detailed in sections 3 and 4.
Clothing to suit the conditions:
It is about being prepared for the conditions you are sailing in. So for example in calm summer conditions you may be wearing shorts and a t-shirt with deck shoes and cap on deck.
 Warm with a slight wind might require longer casual trousers, perhaps a micro-fleece and lightweight waterproof jacket on hand.
Waterproofs will be required as it gets windier with a spray.
Rough weather will require a substantial waterproof / breathable jacket and trousers with under-layering.
Very rough - highly waterproof / breathable jacket for off-shore severe weather conditions.
 In-shore, Coastal or Off-shore?
Clothing categorised as suitable for Inshore, Coastal or Offshore sailing basically means that the garment is becoming more substantial (tougher and heavier material), more technical (higher waterproof / breathability ratings) with more features depending upon how severe the weather conditions could be that the garment is designed for.
So an Off-Shore garment would be designed for more severe weather conditions.
Layering systems
Many manufacturers talk about a layering system. With the right garments, layering can be highly effective at keeping out water and keeping you warm in cold weather conditions.
Musto in particular recommend their 3 layer system. The key to a successful layering system is to combine garments that are breathable as well as waterproof, so moisture is not only kept out but allowed to escape as well.
An effective 3 layer system might consist of thermal underwear, breathable middle layer top or fleece, effective waterproof / breathable outer layer. |
Although you may be a good swimmer, the water round the British coast and Estuaries can be very cold and there is often a very strong under-current. 
A Lifejacket will support you completely whilst in the water with a collar that will keep your face out of the water. A Buoyancy aid is an aid to swimming and will give you some buoyancy to assist you in the water.
Never get a lifejacket or buoyancy aid too large for a child!
When sailing in rough weather it is essential to wear a harness and safety line when moving forward to change sails, putting down an anchor or any kind of deck work. This should be attached to an appropriate fastening. 
You will need footwear you can get wet, that has a good grip, that isn't too cumbersome and will keep you warm enough for the weather you are sailing in. 
have a good grip on wet decks. Classic deck shoe styles might be canvas or leather, also trainer style deck shoes - but designed for easy drainage of water and grippy sole non slip on the deck. 
Again make sure these are boots designed for sailing - rather than agricultural wellies. 
Either a warm woolly hat for cold weather or a hat with a shade that can clip on to your clothing for hot weather. So many sailors lose their hats in the wind! 
Sunglasses designed for use on the water have frames that let water flow out, hydrophobic lenses that bead away water, head band so they don't fall off and other sports features. 
Don't forget you'll need a bag to get all this gear to the club and take the wet stuff home. Our larger boat sailors favourite is the Musto Crew bag with wet and dry storage compartments. See the 
and don't forget if you’re taking your pet on or near the water, their safety should be just as important as yours.